Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown believes Matthijs de Ligt will return to the starting XI sooner or later despite mounting challenges.
The Dutchman was one of the club’s standout performers in the first half of the season, delivering a solid performance for Ruben Amorim’s side.
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However, the 26-year-old has been battling a back injury since early December. As a result, the defender missed the final month of Amorim’s tumultuous reign, Darren Fletcher’s brief management, and the early weeks of Michael Carrick’s tenure.
Could Matthijs de Ligt regain his place at Manchester United?
With De Ligt unavailable, Carrick has found himself forming a solid partnership in the defense of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez. The duo were so reliable at the back that Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven were dropped to the bench.
While De Ligt is expected to return to action in the coming days and weeks, he will not automatically earn a starting role.
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Nonetheless, Brown believes the former Ajax captain will eventually earn a place in the team with his elusive qualities.
“I think Harry and Martinez did a great job, It’s hard to change at the moment. But when De Ligt was fit, he played brilliantly before he got hurt,” The former Manchester United defender told Strtty News in an exclusive interview with Bet Wright.
“He’s probably one of our best defenders. Well, he’s one of our best defenders defender. So he’ll want to come right back.
“But that’s what I like football. On my team, you all have to fight each other. You are teammates. If you play well, you respect the other person and work harder to reintegrate. When you do, it’s up to you whether to stay or not. ” Two-time Champions League winner added.
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“Would Michael change it immediately? Maybe not, if it continued fine. But eventually De Ligt will get his chance Do it again and see if he can play well. But what a great player to be able to do that.
“I think at some point it will happen. But you have to respect the players The stadium at the moment. If they play well, you can’t take anything away from them. You have to give them this opportunity. “
Matthijs de Ligt watches the match against Crystal Palace. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
We also asked Brown to pick the Manchester United player who has impressed him most this season and he had no hesitation in choosing Bruno Fernandes.
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“Bruno. I think the front three had a big impact on the way we played, Some way to score. But for me, Bruno is still that guy. I think Things are getting better for Cunha. Mbomo is also starting to get popular.
“So yeah, I just think The attack methods have undergone some changes. But for me Bruno is still the one who wants to score, The guy who’s trying to get the assist, the guy who’s probably running the most. And, you know, he’s the one who’s willing to give it his all. So it must be him, 100%.”
Wes Brown recalls Champions League heroics
Brown, on the other hand, famously provided the assist for Cristiano Ronaldo’s opener in the 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea.
The former England international played at right-back during that memorable season and insists lifting trophies is what ultimately matters.
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“All I care about is that we still win. This is the main thing. Obviously it was great to get the assist, but to me it was just a great moment, great team, Great season. Obviously we ended the game with a little bit of pressure and punishment, But really just good memories.
“Obviously, assists are good too. But yes, we are a great team with a lot of world-class players on the pitchit’s hard to beat and obviously, I’m happy to be a part of it.
“The greatest offensive contribution of my career? 100%. 100%, yes. I’ve thought about defense, so yeah, absolutely. “
